So you want to learn to develop applications for Android? Android has a very robust and useful software development kit that makes development very easy. This ease may lead you to consider self-education. However, there are pros and cons to both Android classroom training and self-education. Considering them will help you select the best Android training for you.
The biggest benefit to Android classroom training is that you get to work with a qualified Android developer. Application development is as much an art as it is a science. An experienced instructor can help guide you in developing your Android development style and help you avoid mistakes that new developers may make.
If you are like me, another benefit of Android instructor-led training is that it keeps you focused and on a schedule of learning. Attending a class requires that you prepare for the class and stay on the schedule of class meetings. This helps keep you focused and motivated. Without Android on-site training, learning to develop applications may get put off when other tasks are important.
The biggest drawback to Android instructor-led training for many is the cost. Classes obviously will cost more than self-education since the instructor will need to be paid. While the cost is a drawback, you have to weigh the benefits of one-on-one mentoring that you would receive with Android on-site training against that cost.
Another downside to instructor-led training is that it may be limited by geography. Unless you can find a web-based Android course, you will be dependent on what is being offered in your area. In fact, if no classes are offered nearby, Android classroom training may not even be an option.
Self-education has its own advantages. One benefit is that you will be able to set your own pace. If you need more time to grasp a concept, you will be able to take as much time as you need. Likewise, if you want to move more quickly through lessons, you will have that option too. With Android instructor-led training, you will be limited by the pace of the entire class.
Another benefit to self-education is that it is often cheaper than Android classroom training. If you are trying to educate yourself for a new career or to enter into a different area of development, you may be on a budget. Or if you are an experienced developer, Android classroom training may be too costly and include too many basics you will never use in practice.
The biggest downside of self-education is the lack of critique of your work. Android classroom training will give you an opportunity to show work to others and receive constructive criticism on how to make your code better. This is not possible in a self-education scenario. This is important often the difference between a good application and a great one is the result of small improvements in development style. You will learn this more readily through Android classroom training.
Android is an exciting platform that is easy to learn. Android classroom training provides a number of benefits and drawbacks over self-education. It is important to consider the differences between Android classroom training and self-education and select the option that is going to be best for your individual learning style and needs.
Michael Dorf teaches at LearnComputer (learncomputer.com), which offers instructor-led local, online and onsite Android training for companies and public. Our flagship Android Bootcamp course will get you writing Android apps in just FOUR days! There is simply no better way to learn Android!
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